VAT Associate Director/Director

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a senior VAT professional to join a leading national accountancy practice as a VAT Associate Director or Director. Based in either Bristol or Southampton, this role offers significant responsibility, high-level client exposure, and the chance to play a key role in the continued growth of a well-established Indirect Tax team.

You will take ownership of a varied client portfolio, lead complex advisory work, and act as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders while helping shape the strategic direction of the VAT practice.

The role will involve:

• Leading the delivery of complex VAT advisory engagements, ensuring work is completed to a high technical standard, on time and within budget.
• Developing and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with senior client stakeholders, identifying opportunities to add value and expand services.
• Reviewing and overseeing work produced by junior team members, providing coaching, feedback and technical support.
• Managing interactions with HMRC on technical and contentious VAT matters.
• Overseeing project planning and budgets, keeping clients and Partners informed of progress, risks and changes in scope.
• Supporting Partners with the management and leadership of the wider VAT team, including recruitment, development and performance management.
• Identifying and progressing business development opportunities, contributing to proposals, pitches and strategic initiatives.
• Providing clear, well-judged advice on risk, VAT planning and complex technical issues.

About you:

• CTA and/or ACA qualified (or equivalent) with significant post-qualified VAT experience at a senior level.
• Strong track record of leading complex VAT advisory projects, including structuring, planning, international VAT and due diligence work.
• Commercially minded with the ability to deliver practical, high-quality advice tailored to client needs.
• Proven experience managing and developing teams and leading large-scale or complex projects.
• Comfortable contributing to business development and supporting the growth of a practice.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence engaging at senior levels.

This is a senior leadership opportunity within a growing advisory team, offering real influence, strong progression potential and the chance to shape the future of a leading VAT practice. If you are looking for a strategic role with visibility and impact, this could be an excellent next step.